Motor subtypes of delirium: Past, present and future

Abstract

Clinical subtyping of delirium according to motor-activity profile has considerable potential to account for the heterogeneity of this complex and multifactorial syndrome. Previous work has identified a range of clinically important differences between motor subtypes in relation to detection, causation, treatment experience and prognosis, but studies have been hampered by inconsistent methodology, especially in relation to definition of subtypes. This article considers research to date, including a number of recent studies that have attempted to address these issues and identify a means of achieving greater consistency in approaches to subtyping. Possibilities for future work are discussed and a research plan for the field is outlined.

Notes

Notes

[1] The international multisite study of delirium etiology and phenomenology (IMDEP) is a project that involves data collection about delirium phenomenological presentation and etiological causation (using the DRS-R98 and Delirium Etiology Checklist) at over a dozen sites worldwide (including delirium occurring in CL Psychiatry services, Palliative care, and Elderly medicine). Further information including details for potential participants from David Meagher ( [email protected]).